Name: Mick Barber
Age: Just Celebrated his 50th Birthday
Company: ParkSafe UK / CSS Aftermarket
Job description: Director
How long have you been in the industry?
Over 20 years.
How did you get started in the industry?
I first started working in sales for Wurth UK based in Kent, They employed around 250 sales consultants throughout the UK, after my first year, I was awarded Salesman of the year and there after for the following two years, soon after, I was promoted to Regional Manager and Sales trainer.
Before I joined the Electronic Industry, I was a Trained mechanical technician, my first step into this Industry was with GT Auto Alarms, soon after re-launching the well-known brand Gemini Alarms, when I founded and developed Gemini Security Direct in the UK at there early stages.
How long have you been working at ParkSafe UK / CSS?
I started with CSS Aftermatket formally known as Car Sound Supplies around 5 years ago as a Consultant. Where soon after I joined as Director.
How has the product focus changed since you joined the company?
CSS is a successful business that has been running for over 30 years, my first focus point was to re-brand the name and focus on the range of products that we offered to our existing and welcome of new customers…. Offering a selected range of products has helped us to be more versatile within our market place.
Now ! we all loved your truck that used to come around and sell from the back of it, I guess it wasn’t cost effective?
That’s right, it was a difficult decision, However, it was not cost effective to the company and I am sure you would agree, you could not continue at a loss !!! We believe we can still offer the same amount of quality service by offering an early morning next day delivery service. At the same time we are able to offer our saving at a discounted price to our customers, we are very focused on our quality of service, over the past few years we have managed to recruit Area Managers into each Geographical area, giving the Customer face-to-face contact.
What is your vision for the company’s future?
We are a company that values the customers Profit, We will continue to listen to the importance of what the customer requires and continue to expand our product range. We will continue to up-hold our quality of service to our existing customer and welcome New customers,
What can you tell me about ParkSafe?
ParkSafe is a brand that I have a passion for as I was the one who created the product, the design, marketing, Packaging and colour scheme, I have specified the product features as a result of listening to what the installers and dealers want
Parksafe features: 4 – 2 Eye sensor kit all in one, Buzzer or Display option all used by the same control unit, Tow-bar detectable or Not, 6% – 10% replacement heads, adjustable sensitivity for sensors, extendable solid tone for vehicles with a spare wheel or tow bar, Self Test function,
Parksafe offer a complete range of products to all customer requirements, Metal Bumpers, Waterproof resin filled, commercial, Plant, HGV, Light commercial and Motor homes, including range of Monitors and cameras with or without Wireless Interface, See our www.Park-safe.co.uk
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work? (Now this is a silly question as I look around Mick’s home office as I can see from the pictures, trophies and swords that Mick is somewhat of a lethal weapon. I realise at this point that I had better not say anything bad about the sandwich that he very kindly made me)!
I started my martial arts career in 1981 at the age of 20, having 30 years within the Martial arts Industry has helped me to develop my own style.. I presently teach twice a week a Korean style of training, I Judge International as well as throughout the UK, I have achieved 4th Dan and one other 2nd Dan. I am a qualified boxing Instructor coach, General fitness personal Instructor, Aero cycling Instructor (Spinning) and Boxercise Instructor,, fitness is a very important part to my life and I believe it gives us Good health and well being.
Over the past two years, I have developed another passion and I am a keen Cycle rider where I have just recently brought a High spec racing Bike, this has helped me to release my stress from work and I frequently raise money by entering running marathons for Sue Ryder cancer.
Many thanks to Mick for taking the time to talk to Ifitstuff and we wish him and ParkSafe continued success.
Article by Jeff Scott.
